Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition fees
If you are a student from the EU/EEA, the French government will cover most of the cost of your degree programme in a public higher education institution.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition fees are
- Bachelor's: €178 per year
- Master's: €254 per year
- Engineering school: €628 per year except Ecole Centrale in Lille, Lyon, Marseille, and Nantes, and at the Ecole des Mines in Nancy, where the annual tuition is €2 613
- Doctorate: €397 per year
Some non-EU/EEA students may benefit from these reduces fees, depending on their residency status or study programme.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student and do not qualify to benefit from reduced fees, you will pay:
- Bachelor's: €2 895 per year
- Master's: €3 941 per year
- Doctorate: €397 per year
Private universities and Grandes Écoles
These set their own tuition fees, which can range from €6 000 to €18 000 per year, depending on the programme and institution.
Living costs
Students in France spend on average €800 - €1 200 per month, depending on their lifestyle and location. Paris is generally more expensive than other major student cities. Student discounts are widely available for transport, culture and leisure.
Read how to prepare your budget
Visa requirements
EU/EEA students don’t need a visa, regardless of the length of their stay.
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you will need a visa to study in France. Visa type depends on the length and purpose of your stay:
- Short-stay visa (less than 3 months)
- Long-stay student visa (more than 3 months)
How to apply for a visa if needed
Higher education system
Types of degrees
France follows the Bologna system and uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):
- Bachelor’s degree: 3-4 years
- Master’s degree: 1-2 years
- PhD: 3–4 years
Types of institutions
Universities
Public institutes of higher education financed by the French State.
Grandes Écoles
Selective public and private institutes of higher education recognised by the State.
Specialised schools and institutes
These institutes offer programmes in specific professional areas. Some award state-recognised degrees, others offer professional certificates.
Schools of art and applied arts
Offer programmes in visual arts, design, fashion, and related fields. Admission is often competitive and successful completion leads to state-recognised degrees.
The national schools of architecture
Public institutions offering architecture degrees recognised by the State.
Application process
Applying to study in France depends on your nationality, the programme, and the institution. General steps include:
- Choose your programme and higher education institution: use the Campus France catalogue to explore study options
- Check the admission requirements: these may vary depending on programme and institution. You may need to provide academic transcripts, diplomas and proof of language proficiency (French or English).
- Prepare your documents: these include
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Passport copy
- Language certificates
- CV and motivation letter
- Apply online: Either directly to the institution of your choice or through the “Études en France” procedure, if applicable.
- Receive your admission letter: Once accepted, you’ll get an official admission letter. This admission letter is essential for those who need a visa or residence permit.
- Finalise practical matters: Arrange housing, health insurance, and validate your visa (if applicable) before arrival.
Scholarships
France offers a wide range of scholarships for international students through public institutions, regional authorities, and European programmes.
- Search the Grant search engine to find scholarships based on your nationality, field, and level of study
- Government scholarships: Include the Eiffel and France Excellence Europa programmes
- Regional and institutional scholarships offered by cities and universities. Check university websites for available scholarships
- Erasmus+
- Erasmus Mundus
Student life
Student life in France is dynamic and culturally rich. French higher education institutions offer student cards that give access to discounts on transport, museums, cinema, and more. There are plenty of opportunities to join cultural excursions, discover French customs, and travel across French regions.
Stories from students
Frequently asked questions
Are programmes taught in English?
Yes. Many higher education institutions offer programmes in English.
Browse English-taught study programmes in France
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes, you can. Students can work up to 964 hours per year (approx. 20 hours/week).
No separate work permit is needed if you hold a student visa.
Is health insurance required?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all students. EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU students need private insurance or may need to register with the French Social Security System.
How can I find housing in France?
Students can choose between university dormitories, which are affordable and social, or private accommodation, such as rented apartments or shared flats. Many universities offer support or guidance to help international students find suitable housing before arrival.